There’s a certain thrill that comes with discovering the perfect cookie recipe, especially when it involves a beloved treat like Kit Kat bars. Imagine cracking open a freshly baked cookie, its soft and chewy center giving way to delightful little chunks of chocolate and crispy candy. That’s exactly what you get with these Chewy Kit Kat Cookies, where the classic candy bars bring a fun twist to a simple chocolate cookie.
What I love most about this recipe is its ease—no chilling time required! It’s perfect for those spontaneous baking sessions or even as a last-minute treat for gatherings, be it Halloween or just a cozy evening at home. Whether you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth or bring a smile to family and friends, these cookies strike that magical balance of sweet and salty, making them irresistibly crowd-pleasing. So, let’s dive into this delectable recipe and bring a little joy into your kitchen!
Why are Kit Kat Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Texture: Soft and chewy centers with a satisfying crunch from Kit Kat pieces provide a delightful bite.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for unexpected cravings.
Crowd Favorite: The sweet-salty balance ensures these cookies will please everyone at gatherings or cozy nights in.
No Chill Time: No need to wait, so you can enjoy warm cookies straight from the oven.
Customizable: Mix in other candies or nuts for a unique twist, keeping the recipe fresh every time!
Kit Kat Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and moisture for a tender cookie; substitute with margarine if you prefer.
- Brown Sugar – Essential for sweetness and contributes to a chewy texture; can be replaced with white sugar, but results may differ.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps cookies spread; try coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist.
- Eggs (1 whole + 1 yolk) – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture, with the yolk enhancing chewiness; no substitute confirmed.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free Kit Kat Cookies version.
- Cocoa Powder – Adds depth of chocolate flavor; you can omit it for classic chocolate chip cookies.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise; if using self-rising flour, you can skip this ingredient.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; reduce this if you’re using salted butter.
For the Mix-ins
- Chocolate Chips – Contributes extra chocolate flavor and texture; opt for dark, milk, or white chocolate based on your preference.
- Kit Kat Bars – The star of the cookie, providing luscious chocolate flavor and crispy texture; substitutes with other candy bars will yield different results.
How to Make Kit Kat Cookies
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Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for your cookies and helps them achieve that irresistible golden edge. -
Line Baking Sheets:
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cookie removal later on. -
Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes; it’s the key to a soft cookie! -
Incorporate Eggs:
Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk until well incorporated. This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for a chewy texture. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent for consistent results. -
Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher cookies. -
Add Mix-ins:
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Kit Kat bars. The chocolate will melt slightly, creating gooey pockets of chocolate and crispy candy throughout. -
Scoop Dough:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop large spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each scoop for spreading. -
Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet! -
Cool Cookies:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period helps them retain their shape and chewy centers.
Optional: Serve warm with a cold glass of milk for a delightful pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Kit Kat Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies with these delightful twists!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace some cocoa powder with creamy peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter-chocolate combo that’s simply irresistible.
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Candy Bar Swap: Try using Snickers or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of Kit Kat bars for a completely new flavor adventure.
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Coconut Flavor: Mix in shredded coconut to add tropical flair and a chewy texture that beautifully complements the chocolate.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising hint of heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
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Dried Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried cranberries or cherries for a tart burst of flavor that balances the rich chocolate.
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Coffee Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, creating a cookie that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
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Zesty Citrus: Stir in a little orange or lemon zest to brighten up the flavors and add a fragrant twist to your sweet treat.
How to Store and Freeze Kit Kat Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to sogginess from the Kit Kat bars, which can lose their crisp texture once thawed.
Reheating: If you like warm cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked feel!
Make Ahead Options
These Kit Kat Cookies are a wonderful option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade treats with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully while preventing any browning. Simply scoop the dough onto baking sheets, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for 12-15 minutes. This method guarantees your cookies will be just as delightful when baked fresh!
What to Serve with Kit Kat Cookies?
Indulge in a delightful spread that perfectly complements the rich, chocolatey goodness of your freshly baked cookies.
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Cold Milk: Nothing beats a tall glass of icy cold milk that enhances the creamy chocolate flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the chewy cookie, creating a decadent treat.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra dose of chocolate bliss—perfect for serious chocolate lovers!
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Coffee: A rich cup of coffee pairs beautifully, as its bold flavor balances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon break.
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Fresh Berries: Add a burst of fresh flavor with strawberries or raspberries that provide a tart contrast to the sweetness, refreshing your palate.
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Nutty Trail Mix: For a crunchy contrast, serve a side of nutty trail mix. The mix of textures and flavors plays beautifully with the soft, chewy cookie.
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Hot Chocolate: On colder days, pair with a steaming cup of hot chocolate for a double dose of chocolaty comfort that will warm your heart.
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Caramel Sauce: Try dipping your cookies in rich caramel sauce to create a sweet and salty combination that’s simply irresistible.
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Gourmet Tea: Opt for a soothing cup of chamomile or chai tea that offers a comforting warmth to enjoy alongside your favorite cookies.
Expert Tips for Kit Kat Cookies
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Measure Flour Accurately: Ensure you spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for precise quantities, avoiding too-dense cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined to keep your Kit Kat Cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
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Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh Kit Kat bars and high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
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Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set but the tops look slightly underbaked; this will yield the perfect chewy texture.
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Cool Before Serving: Rest the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, allowing them to firm up while still warm.
Kit Kat Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of Kit Kat bars should I use for the cookies?
You can use standard Kit Kat bars for the classic flavor, but feel free to get creative! White chocolate or dark chocolate Kit Kats can add an exciting twist. Just remember that other candy bars may work as substitutes, but they will yield different textures and flavors.
How should I store my Kit Kat Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor. I often place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies to keep them extra moist; it works wonders!
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Can I freeze Kit Kat Cookies?
Freezing is not recommended for these cookies because the Kit Kat bars can lose their crispy texture, leading to soggy cookies upon thawing. However, if you really need to freeze them, I suggest freezing the unbaked dough! Just scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
How can I tell if my Kit Kat Cookies are baked perfectly?
The perfect Kit Kat Cookies should have set edges and a center that looks slightly underbaked. This may sound odd, but they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet. Trust me, this leads to that delightful chewy texture we all love!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make your Kit Kat Cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to check the ingredients of your chosen blend, as some may require additional binding agents or different ratios!
Is there a way to modify this recipe for a healthier version?
Sure! You could reduce the sugar by using a sugar substitute if you’re looking to cut down on sweetness. Another option is to use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber. Just keep in mind that these changes might impact the overall texture and flavor, so experiment to find what works best for you!
Irresistibly Chewy Kit Kat Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the whole egg and egg yolk until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Kit Kat bars.
- Scoop large spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.